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For Christmas, I'd like to get somebody everything she needs to get started with fire spinning. I currently plan to order the first two items on this page, which is two sets of chains with 2 ft of 2" wick, and some practice pois. I also plan to get her a fire extinguisher. I imagine I need some type of fuel also, what do I need and is it something that can be purchased somewhere in a major city (Houston), or is it something I also need to order online?

The set of fire poi look good, but you might consider sock poi (easily made with some bird seed and a sock, or designer versions available if aesthetic matters) for learning to spin, since the "practice" poi with streamers on the back can get tangled and make certain basic tricks more difficult.

For safety, I have to emphasize that the most important thing to have it a second person on hand to deal with safety. Poi can get tangled, pants can get on fire, and other things can happen that make an inexperienced spinner panic. Having a "safety" there is mandatory at first, and recommended even for an advanced spinner.

Fire extinguisher isn't necessary- it would take something going seriously wrong to require one, which is completely preventable by good safety practice. My troupe brings fire extinguishers to performances, but they're just for show, since that's what people immediately think of when they think fire safety. In 8 years of fire spinning I have never seen an incident that required a fire extinguisher. We use duvetyne cloth (fire resistant fabric used in theater curtains) which is cheap, effective, and doesn't make things smell weird like a wet towel =)

Personally I think the best fuel for learning is white gas (Coleman camping fuel). Tiki torch fuel works too, but it's oily, burns for longer, and can be hard to light, especially if it's cold.

Like Dohr said, homeofpoi is a great resource, and you'll want to look up some resources on fueling stations. I recommend a metal bucket inside a plastic bucket (to contain spills) with a lid (to put out fires inside).

Fire extinguisher isn't necessary- it would take something going seriously wrong to require one, which is completely preventable by good safety practice. My troupe brings fire extinguishers to performances, but they're just for show, since that's what people immediately think of when they think fire safety. In 8 years of fire spinning I have never seen an incident that required a fire extinguisher. We use duvetyne cloth (fire resistant fabric used in theater curtains) which is cheap, effective, and doesn't make things smell weird like a wet towel =)

I think this is dangerous advice. Fire extinguishers aren't for show - they're for fires that you can't contain with just Devetyne. A fuel dump fire, for example. Or fabric catching on fire from unexpected spinoff. Or a hardware failure/user error (staff or poi goes flying in to something flammable). There's a load of environmental factors you can't really say for sure will never happen, which is why most fire marshals require you to have one on hand - NOT just for show.

That said, if you're headed down to the beach with some friends, or an open asphalt/dirt lot with nothing flammable, a fire extinguisher is low on your priority list for safety items, and like you said Duvetyne is a must... but ABC extinguishers definitely have well defined uses.

I wouldn't really recommend the poi the OP linked - way too much hardware (why have 2 split rings AND a quick link at the poi end?), and cathedrals have been mostly replaced with more complicated weaves that allow for more fuel absorption and last a lot longer than cathedral folds. these, for example, are a lot better. A beginner should go with 2 or 3 inch wicks, 3.5-4.5 inch wicks produce really huge flames and long burns that are tiring for most people when they first get them, but you'll probably eventually move up to those sizes eventually.

First thing we need to know is experience. If she isn't experienced it is not recommended. I know this doesn't answer your question, but it's a dangerous hobby and I know not many people here would advice with fire poi to start. If you want to get her something cool without the danger and as much fun for beginners look at some LEDs.

Your selections sound ok, and Riz has a good reputation. I have bought wick from him and have been very satisfied.
Aside from the hardware, the greatest help would be to find other fire spinners in your area. In Houston, it should be relatively easy to find other spinners. Perhaps someone offers lessons? At the very least, I would recommend having an experienced spinner around when she lights up the first time.

As for fuel, ultra-pure lamp oil, it can be a bit hard to light, but is slightly "safer" than what I use (Coleman fuel.)

Fire by Riz is pretty solid equipment for a good price. Trick Concepts also has a bunch of sales going on right now, if you're interested. I would suggest purchasing a "commando cloth" a duvetyne fire cloth for extinguishing the actual poi heads because fire extinguishers are generally bad for the wicks. Fire extinguishers are the only things that will put out a fuel dump fire though, so they are never a bad thing to have on hand. I would also buy an empty, unused paint can that can be used as a fuel dump. Make sure it's got a lid. Always always always put the lid back on the fuel dump before you light up. Fuel dump fires are freaking catastrophic. Also, never ever, under any circumstances, get the wicks wet with water. Trust me, they're like mogwi.

When I give lessons to brand new students I bring a bottle of charcoal lighter fluid because it's cheap, and it has a high flash point, making it more difficult to actually light oneself aflame. Once they've gotten over the initial fear and used to spinning off, I'll move them to utra-pure lamp oil - never use citronella!!!! (I cannot stress this enough)

The absolute most important thing she'll need is someone standing at the ready to put her out if need be. This position is called a safety, and it is absolutely vital that she always spin fire in the presence of one. There are links and videos out there that will teach you everything you need to know about proper fire safety in regards to spinning.

Very cool man, I just got into poi this week, do you have any tips for me or any DVDs you recommend buying for both beginner and advanced? I'm also thinking of getting a few of these to practice with. Are they technically a poi instrument or are they designed too differently to be considered good practice for fire poi?

I personally wouldn't waste money on DVD's as there are millions upon millions of free internet tutorials available. homeofpoi.com is a great resource for any beginner (and even master) as is youtube. I learned some interesting things from tribe.net, also. Those flowlights look nice, (and yes, are poi) but the main thing you should be concentrating on right now is technical skill. What you're spinning doesn't matter as much as how you're spinning. I have my students begin on a set of sock poi they make themselves, one each of a contrasting color. Fire will come in time, right now you should be teaching yourself good habits, once started bad poi habits are a BITCH to un-learn.